Christian Braun's evolution was evident as he delivered a stellar performance in Game 7 against the Clippers, scoring 21 points and playing a crucial defensive role. This marks a significant turnaround from last year’s early playoff exit where he spent less than 20 minutes on the floor.

With his effort, he not only showcased his ability to score when needed but also to clamp down on stars like James Harden, limiting him to just seven points. Braun's confidence is backed by his teammates, especially Nikola Jokic, who affirmed his winning mentality. As the Nuggets prepare for the top-seeded Thunder, Braun’s role will be pivotal against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a player described as nearly unguardable.

The Los Angeles Clippers faced a brutal defeat against the Denver Nuggets in Game 7, losing 120-101. The game showcased a particularly poor performance from James Harden, who managed only seven points on eight attempts, continuing his trend of underwhelming showings in elimination games. This loss marked a continuation of Harden's struggle, as he has averaged just 14.2 points in his last five elimination games. Despite his 13 assists in this match, his scoring output was disappointing and emblematic of a larger trend of disappearing acts in critical moments.

Harden's history in elimination games is troubling, having scored under 20 points in 12 of his 26 such games. His inconsistency raises questions among analysts and fans, particularly when compared to other stars like Stephen Curry and LeBron James, who consistently perform at high levels during crucial playoff moments. The Clippers, initially seen as a potential threat in the playoffs due to the strength of their roster, including Kawhi Leonard, fell short, with Harden's dip in performance being a significant factor in their elimination. As the postseason unfolds, Harden's legacy continues to be influenced by these disappointing playoff performances.

The Denver Nuggets continued their dominance in the NBA playoffs by eliminating the Los Angeles Clippers with a decisive 120-101 victory in Game 6. Nikola Jokic showcased his all-around prowess with a near triple-double, contributing 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. This performance further solidified his position as a leading player, drawing comparisons to LeBron James, as he achieved this feat for the ninth time in his playoff career. The Nuggets displayed exceptional teamwork, particularly in the second quarter, where they outscored the Clippers by 37 points, turning the tide of the game.

Despite James Harden's commendable 13 assists, he struggled to find scoring opportunities, finishing the game with only 7 points. The Nuggets now prepare for a challenging matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, featuring rising stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. Coach David Adelman's squad will need to strategize effectively to counter the youthful energy of the Thunder as they aim to advance further in the playoffs.

The Denver Nuggets made a bold statement in their playoff opener against the Los Angeles Clippers with a commanding 120-101 victory. The game was initially competitive, but Denver's second-quarter surge led to a decisive halftime lead, and they never looked back. Russell Westbrook, now wearing a Nuggets jersey, delivered an impressive performance, showcasing his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking skills. He netted 16 points along with five assists, five rebounds, and five steals. Despite a mediocre outing from Clippers’ star Kawhi Leonard and an underwhelming performance from James Harden, Denver's fast-paced style overwhelmed Los Angeles.

As the Nuggets advance to the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, they will need to maintain this momentum. Their ability to outscore the Clippers in fast-break points is a testament to their swift and aggressive play style. The Nuggets, who were crowned champions just two years ago, are looking to prove they are still a formidable contender in this year's playoffs.

James Harden's disappointing performance in Game 7 has ignited discussions about his future with the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite a season filled with promise, Harden's playoff struggles resurfaced when he scored only seven points, marking a continuation of his postseason shooting woes. His Game 7 stats reveal an average of just 19.3 points and a dismal 22.4% from beyond the arc across his seven Game 7 appearances.

With a player option worth $36.3 million for next season, Harden faces pivotal choices that could shape the Clippers' trajectory. His inability to step up in critical moments has raised questions about whether he will choose to re-sign, seek free agency, or negotiate an extension. As the Clippers reevaluate their strategy, Harden's legacy and impact on their championship aspirations remain uncertain.